Wimbledon College of Arts catches up with MFA Fine Art alumna, Sasha Bowles on her experience as a postgraduate student, her current practice and what’s next for Sasha as an artist.
Sasha Bowles, ‘It Went By’. Oil on Linen 40 x 30 cm
WCA: What was your time studying at Wimbledon like?
SB: Really intense. Having not been in education for a while, I felt I had been thrown in at the deep end. Drowning at times, feeling exposed, but finding support was there when it was needed. I felt it was a privilege to have had 2 years to really explore what my work was about and learn how to articulate it.
WCA: What did you find was the most valuable transferable skill you learnt whilst studying the College?
SB: Researching. Feed your practice.
WCA: Tell us about your current practice.
SB: My current practice is predominately painting and mostly dealing with subject matter relating to memory. The fallibility of memory, how it morphs and folds in upon itself. I use landscape as a trigger for memories; incorporating, real, imagined and appropriated images. The paintings are either small and intimate or large and foreboding.
Sasha Bowles, ‘The Disproportionate Loss of Self in an Altered Landscape’. Oil on Canvas 150 x 180 cm
WCA: What has been your proudest moment as a practicing professional so far?
SB: Recognition for my work by selection for various exhibitions including Future Map.
WCA: What is next for you?
SB: Further explorations into my practice, continuing to push at the seams. Inclusion in The Open West, Oriel Davies exhibitions. Working towards several group shows in London.
WCA: Any advice for future Fine Art students?
SB: Embrace everything. The time goes really fast. Use all the facilities. Leave your comfort zone. Be prepared to fail again and again. Collaborate with your peers. Go to every show you can. Build networks outside college as well. Trust and challenge your tutors. Claim your practice. Have fun.
Sasha Bowles, ‘Swept Through the Woods’. Oil on Linen 40 x 30 cm
Sasha graduated from MFA Fine Art 2013. www.sashabowles.co.uk
To find out more about our Postgraduate Courses, book onto one of our Postgraduate Open Days.
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